The Detroit Lions had a rough season overall, but that didn't stop star right tackle Penei Sewell from being named Pro Football Focus' 2025 Protector of the Year .
Fans across the other 31 clubs feel their own offensive linemen were snubbed after the Lions didn't make the playoffs, offering names of players they feel are more well deserved. Surprisingly, Sewell might not disagree with them.
"It wasn't my best ball. It was far from that," Sewell said after the Lions' 2025 season ended.
Sewell feels this season was a down year for him and is confident he could have performed better.
Despite Sewell's personal thoughts on his ability to protect franchise quarterback Jared Goff , PFF's 2025 grades say differently. Sewell led all offensive linemen with his 95.2 overall grade and had the most plays with a positive grade among offensive tackles. Sewell earned a 96.8 run blocking grade and an 80.3 pass blocking grade.
With his 2025 performance, Sewell ranks among the three highest-graded offensive tackles in each of the past three seasons. Sewell's 96.8 run blocking grade is the highest by any right tackle over the past five years and trails only Trent Williams ' 2021 season (97.8) with San Francisco among all offensive linemen.
Any controversy for the award stems from Sewell's pass blocking grade of 80.3, which ranks 11th among offensive tackles but second among right tackles, trailing only the Philadelphia Eagles ' Lane Johnson . Sewell allowed pressure on just 3.3% of pass plays, a career best that ranked second among right tackles and fifth among all offensive tackles.
Sewell was a force to behold on and off the field this season. Teammates have noted he's an excellent leader, who doesn't let injuries get the best of him. The last few weeks of the 2025 season, he was battling an ankle issue that only managed to keep him out for a few short plays during their Christmas Day matchup against the Minnesota Vikings .
Sewell has been sidelined for only a whopping two games during his five-year career thus far, which is an impressive feat in itself. The rest of the time he's motivating his team, encouraging them when they're down and lifting them higher when they're winning.
PFF is confident in their grading, ranking Sewell above well-known candidates such as Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey and Denver Broncos left tackle Garrett Bolles, a class anyone would be proud to be a part of.
If Sewell doesn't feel he performed at his best to be atop this list, one can only wonder what kind of performance he'll be authoring during the 2026 season.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions' Penei Sewell captures PFF Protector of the Year
